Smilin' assassin Pacman going for knockout

Manny Pacquiao flexes his muscles at the end of his final day of training. Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – One look at Manny Pacquiao on the final day of training and Freddie Roach readily sensed that Tim Bradley is in trouble.

Smiling all the time and in a cheerful mood, the world welterweight champion looked every inch like a man ready to put on a show - two days before he returns to the ring to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) crown against Bradley.

“Everyone knows that when Manny Pacquiao smiles when he comes up to the ring that’s a good sign,” said Roach after the light, two-hour workout at the Top Rank Gym that capped the 33-year-old champion’s two-month buildup for the fight.

Roach also disclosed that for the first time since they teamed up, Pacquiao has openly talked about wanting to knock out his opponent.

“I would like a knockout, he said,” the five-time Trainer of the Year disclosed. “He talks about a knockout for the first time ever.”

Roach admitted that Pacquiao’s recent fights, especially the one against the recently retired Antonio Margarito, had fighting fans doubting if the eight-division champion has reached the twilight of his Hall of Fame career.

“Fans and public thought that he’s all done judging from that fight (against Margarito),” said Roach. “But he wants to prove that he’s still the same old Manny Pacquiao.”

With still 48 hours to go before the bout, Roach said Pacquiao already weighed in at 146 lbs. – well below the 147-lb. limit for the fight.

He said they plan to come in at 145 or 146 during the official weigh-in on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) and 148 to 149 on fight night.

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He likewise believes that despite being a deserving challenger, Bradley is in way over his head for this bout.

“They have a big opportunity but I think it’s too soon. He has not fought in a level like this before and Manny Pacquiao will expose that,” said Roach.